Life for coffee drinkers and baristas has become decidedly more complex thanks to the plethora of coffee beverages on offer. Add to this size, strength and milk alternatives, and your menu of 6 items quickly turns into a smorgasbord of more than 30 options. Variety is said to be the spice of life, so why not explore plant-based milk alternatives? You might want to try options like pea, hemp, oat, soy, rice, or coconut for a taste of the tropics.
With so many choices, how do you decide? Four key factors to consider are flavour, texture, nutrition and cost.
Each plant-based alternative offers a different flavour profile, ranging from nuttiness and sweetness to tropical notes. While some flavours may enhance your brew, others might mask its delicate notes.
Texture is also crucial, especially if you enjoy hot milk-based beverages. Some milk alternatives can curdle, while others can create a nice foam similar to cow's milk. If you are a latte art enthusiast, then a nicely foaming milk might be important.
From a nutritional standpoint, some alternatives replicate the nutrients found in cow's milk, often with the help of additives. Cost can vary greatly from €1.50/ltr for cow's milk, €1.99/ltr for soy milk, €2.75/ltr for almond milk and up to €3.50/ltr for pea milk.
No matter your choice, it’s great to have options—whether that’s one or even nineteen! If you’re influenced by public opinion, you might want to try oat milk for its neutral taste in coffee, followed by almond milk.
Happy brewing!